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Sonoco Named One of the Best Corporate Citizens

March 10, 2009

Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, is ranked number 27 on Corporate Responsibility Officer (CRO) magazine's recently released 100 Best Corporate Citizens ListR for 2009. Sonoco is the highest ranking paper/packaging company on the list.

CRO's 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is the only such list based on 100-percent, publicly available information and ranks Russell 1000R companies on their performance in seven key areas: Environment, Climate Change, Human Rights, Philanthropy, Employee Relations, Financial and Governance. The 100 Best Corporate Citizen List methodology places a premium on companies with high levels of public disclosure and transparency. Sonoco received its highest rankings from CRO magazine in the Environment, Human Rights and Employee Relations categories.

"We are extremely pleased to be included on this prestigious list," said Harris E. DeLoach Jr., Sonoco Chairman, President and Chief OperatingOfficer. "It means that our commitment to sustainability, belief that employees build businesses, community outreach efforts, financial results and ongoing transparency are being noticed and that is very gratifying for
all of our stakeholders."

According to PR Week, CRO magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is the third most important listing after Forbes' Best Places to Work and Fortune's Most Admired Companies. (Fortune magazine ranked Sonoco as its fifth most admired company in the packaging industry in 2009.)

Over the past nine years, companies on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List have outpaced the remainder of the other Russell 1000 companies by an average of 26 percent in three-year total return.

"In good times, checkbook citizenship can win the day," said CRO magazine publisher Jay Whitehead. "But in tough times, strong reputations and transparency pack as much punch as a strong balance sheet. In today's recession, human capital and financial capital seek safety-and companies on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List are today's safest harbors."